TATO Honoured with Regional Private Sector Resilience & Advocacy Award at the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day 2026

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has been proudly recognized with the Regional Private Sector Resilience & Advocacy Award during the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference and Expo held from 16th–18th February 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya.

The prestigious recognition was formally presented during the Awards Dinner and Recognition Ceremony held on 17th February 2026 at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi. The award acknowledges TATO’s outstanding leadership in advancing tourism resilience, sustainability, safety, and responsible private-sector advocacy within Tanzania and across the East African region.

International Recognition from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife – Kenya

TATO’s nomination was officially communicated by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, State Department for Tourism, Office of the Principal Secretary, Republic of Kenya. The nomination recognized TATO’s significant contribution to strengthening regional tourism sustainability, crisis preparedness, visitor safety, conservation efforts, and community empowerment.

According to the official communication, Global Tourism Resilience Day serves as an international platform that honours institutions demonstrating exceptional leadership in:

• Tourism resilience and recovery
• Conservation and environmental stewardship
• Sustainable development
• Crisis preparedness and risk management
• Visitor safety and security
• Building adaptive and future-ready tourism systems

The recognition reflects regional appreciation of TATO’s role in fostering a tourism sector that is environmentally sustainable, community-inclusive, secure for visitors, resilient to shocks, and aligned with long-term development goals.

Representation by TATO Leadership

TATO was represented at the high-level event by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Elirehema Maturo, who attended the conference and award ceremony on behalf of the Association and its members. The event convened senior government officials, policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners, and tourism experts from across Africa and beyond.

Mr. Maturo’s presence underscored TATO’s continued commitment to regional collaboration, policy engagement, and cross-border partnerships aimed at strengthening East Africa’s tourism ecosystem.

What This Award Means for Tanzania’s Tourism Industry

This recognition is not only a milestone for TATO as an institution but also a testament to the resilience and professionalism of Tanzania’s private tourism sector.

Over the years, TATO has played a central role in:

• Advocating for policy reforms that create a conducive business environment
• Supporting crisis response and recovery efforts during global disruptions
• Promoting responsible tourism and conservation initiatives
• Strengthening safety and compliance standards among tour operators
• Facilitating public–private dialogue at national and regional levels
• Representing Tanzania’s tourism interests on international platforms

Through sustained engagement with government institutions, conservation authorities, international partners, and community stakeholders, TATO has contributed to building a tourism industry that can withstand global uncertainties while maintaining high standards of service and environmental responsibility.

The Role of TATO: Championing Resilience, Sustainability, and Advocacy

The Regional Private Sector Resilience & Advocacy Award highlights the very foundation of TATO’s mandate.

1. Advocacy & Policy Engagement
TATO serves as the unified voice of tour operators in Tanzania, engaging policymakers to ensure regulatory frameworks support growth, competitiveness, and sustainability.

2. Crisis Preparedness & Industry Coordination
During periods of global disruption, TATO has worked closely with authorities and stakeholders to safeguard businesses, protect jobs, and ensure safe travel protocols.

3. Conservation & Environmental Stewardship
Tourism and conservation are inseparable in Tanzania. TATO actively supports initiatives that protect wildlife, natural ecosystems, and biodiversity – ensuring tourism remains a force for environmental preservation.

4. Community Inclusion & Shared Prosperity
TATO promotes tourism models that empower local communities, create employment opportunities, and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are equitably distributed.

5. Regional and International Collaboration
By participating in global platforms such as the Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, TATO strengthens Tanzania’s presence in regional dialogues and fosters partnerships that enhance competitiveness and knowledge exchange.

Strengthening East Africa’s Tourism Resilience

The 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference served as a reminder that tourism resilience is no longer optional – it is essential. Climate change, global health crises, economic shocks, and security concerns require coordinated regional strategies and proactive leadership.

TATO’s recognition demonstrates that Tanzania’s private sector is playing a proactive role in shaping a resilient tourism future for East Africa.

A Collective Achievement

This award belongs to the entire TATO membership – tour operators, safari companies, travel professionals, accomodation providers, air operators, Hot air balloon companies and stakeholders who uphold high standards of professionalism, ethics, and sustainability.

It also reflects the strong collaboration between the private sector and government institutions in advancing Tanzania’s tourism development agenda.

Looking Ahead

As Tanzania continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations, TATO remains committed to:

• Enhancing industry competitiveness
• Promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices
• Supporting innovation and capacity building
• Advocating for policies that foster resilience and growth
• Building strategic partnerships at regional and global levels

The Regional Private Sector Resilience & Advocacy Award is both a recognition of past achievements and a call to further action.

TATO will continue to champion a tourism sector that is resilient, inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive – for the benefit of Tanzania, the region, and future generations.